DRINKING WATER
Using Biological Competition To Suppress Algae Growth
Effective algae control shifts the focus from removal to nutrient management. By leveraging bioaugmentation to outcompete algae for nitrogen and phosphorus, facilities can stabilize pH levels and dissolved oxygen, ensuring long-term pond clarity and consistent wastewater treatment performance.
DRINKING WATER CASE STUDIES AND WHITE PAPERS
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![iStock-173263231_450_300]( "Using Advanced Tools To Stem The Lost Revenue Tide")
Using Advanced Tools To Stem The Lost Revenue TideFrom the largest metropolitan utilities to the smallest water systems, leaks are a problem everywhere. Because it’s difficult to raise consumer prices to offset the losses, non-revenue water has a direct impact on the bottom line of municipal water systems. However, utility managers now have an opportunity to reverse the problem with advanced flow meter technology that combines multiple measurements.
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![Newterra_Belleville_Case-Study-2]( "Treating Contaminated Groundwater: Advanced Iron Removal System")
Treating Contaminated Groundwater: Advanced Iron Removal SystemThe City of Belleville, Ontario, planned on re-developing downtown waterfront property into a public space, but there was one problem: the history of the site had led to groundwater contamination.
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Cyanide Analysis Of Wastewater Samples From FCC And Hydrocracking Operations
Fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) is a major unit operation in refineries around the world. FCC is used to convert lowvalue, high molecular weight feedstocks such as shale oil, tar sands oil, and coker gas oils into lighter, high-value products by “cracking” C-C bonds.
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![GettyImages-157168388_450_300]( "How Water Utilities Can Unlock Federal Funds Through BABAA-Compliant Flow Monitoring Instruments")
How Water Utilities Can Unlock Federal Funds Through BABAA-Compliant Flow Monitoring InstrumentsBABAA-compliant flow meters help utilities secure federal funding, avoid waiver delays, and simplify documentation by ensuring domestic manufacturing and fully traceable components.
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![Reducing Water Loss in Oak Park IL]( "Reducing Water Loss In Oak Park, IL: A Data-Driven Approach")
Reducing Water Loss In Oak Park, IL: A Data-Driven ApproachDiscover how the Village of Oak Park faced persistent water loss by implementing a systematic leak detection and mitigation approach.
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![GettyImages-1360163565]( "Revolutionizing Aquaculture: How Pinnacle Ozone Solutions Solves Industry Challenges")
Revolutionizing Aquaculture: How Pinnacle Ozone Solutions Solves Industry ChallengesThe aquaculture industry is booming, driven by a growing global appetite for seafood. But behind this growth lies a challenge: ensuring water quality and sustainable operations in environments that are increasingly under pressure.
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![GettyImages-1964141852 rain]( "How Changing Weather Patterns Impact Water Main Leaks And Breaks")
How Changing Weather Patterns Impact Water Main Leaks And BreaksThis blog aims to provide utility managers, policymakers, and the public with a detailed understanding of the current state of water main infrastructure and the environmental challenges faced in maintaining these systems.
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![East_Texas_Fire_Hydrant_Repairs_Enables_by_AVT_EZ_Valve-4]( "Vital Infrastructure Remains Operational While a Fire Hydrant Is Repaired")
Vital Infrastructure Remains Operational While a Fire Hydrant Is RepairedHydratec Services, a trusted long-term partner of AVT, was called on to assist with the repair of a leaking fire hydrant in an East Texas location.
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![the wave talk]( "Why Smart Meters Without Turbidity Monitoring Will Soon Be Obsolete: A Call To Action For The Water Industry")
Why Smart Meters Without Turbidity Monitoring Will Soon Be Obsolete: A Call To Action For The Water IndustryTurbidity monitoring is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of modern water quality management, crucial for detecting contaminants and ensuring safe drinking water.
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Los Angeles Department Of Water And Power Uses GIS To Improve Water Incident Management
While utilities use sophisticated systems to supply clean water as well as collect and treat wastewater, the effort to manage incidents and outages leaves room for improvement. Water utilities often rely on manual processes to handle customer reports of leaks, loss-of-service or quality issues.
DRINKING WATER APPLICATION NOTES
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Waterworks Joints 10110/30/2025
There are many different joints that can be found on waterworks pipeline components. This paper focuses on the three most common joints.
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Waste Technologies Transform Problems To Profit9/8/2015
Anaerobic digestion processes that radically improve the quality of wastewater while delivering green energy extracted from biological waste streams are emerging as a profitable way for agricultural and food processing industries cope with the twin impact of drought and pollution challenges.
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Active Energy Control – Energy Reductions Of Up To 10% Above Standard Drives4/1/2017
Energy costs continue to increase. At the same time, there is increased pressure to reduce utility bills without sacrificing operations or comfort.
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Protection Of Membrane Systems Utilized For Municipal Water12/1/2020
As water scarcity issues around the world become more acute, more municipalities are having to turn to alternative water sources for potable water supplies. Also, many municipalities in coastal areas are seeing the quality of their water sources degrade as sea water intrusion occurs.
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LC-MS Analysis Of 33 PFAS Compounds In 5 Minutes11/4/2021
In response to environmental testing demands for faster LC-MS analyses, the new Ascentis® Express PFAS HPLC and delay columns allow the highly efficient separation of 33 PFAS compounds in 5 minutes with reduced background contamination.
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Secret To Disinfection Monitoring For High Chlorine Residual Wastewater Applications8/2/2015
Some wastewater applications require chlorine residuals greater than can be effectively monitored using DPD due to the oxidation of the Wurster dye to a colorless Imine. Such applications include industrial wastewater processes that inherently have a high chlorine demand thereby requiring a more robust monitoring method.
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The Basics: Keeping Our Water Clean Requires Monitoring4/30/2014
Keeping the water in our lakes, rivers, and streams clean requires monitoring of water quality at many points as it gradually makes its way from its source to our oceans. Over the years ever increasing environmental concerns and regulations have heightened the need for increased diligence and tighter restrictions on wastewater quality.
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Protecting Pumps From Dead Head Conditions4/6/2017
The C445 motor management relay offers the most configurable protection options in the industry, with features specifically designed to protect critical pumps from costly damages due to dead-head and other underloaded or starved pump conditions.
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What Is Genclean Advanced Oxidation Disinfection Solution And What Is It Used For?2/18/2021
A non-toxic, advanced oxidation (AOP) formula of minerals chelated with oxygen and stabilized in an aqueous water solution. It is a viable option in industries and applications requiring a solution to challenging situations where high level effective sanitization and oxidation is required. Read more to learn how the Genclean advanced oxidation treatment solutions can be used in different applications.
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Fountain Testing Solutions10/29/2021
Accurate fountain (dampening) solution concentration control is essential for consistent, high-quality results in lithography. Low concentration can cause drying on the non-image area of the plate resulting in tinting, scumming, blanket piling, etc. High concentrations, on the other hand, bring about over-emulsification of the ink. This results in weakening of color strength and changes in ink rheology (body and flow properties). Correct concentration will allow the non-image areas of the plate to be appropriately wetted.
DRINKING WATER PRODUCTS
The Series 70CV2000 Chloromatic™ control valve is wall mounted and responds to control signals from a water flow transmitter and/or a chlorine residual analyzer controller. Valve characteristics are provided to directly accept a pacing signal proportional to flow.
The OPTIFLUX 4050 is an electromagnetic flowmeter (EMF) for chemical applications in non-hazardous areas. It provides cost-effective measurements with good accuracy and standard diagnostics and communication options. The extra isolation of the electronic device and housing makes this EMF particularly suitable for use in areas with extreme humidity and chances of flooding.
With a wide variety of parameters to choose from, the MD50 series of single parameter colorimeters pack a lot of features into a rugged, hand-held instrument. Able to perform up to 5,000 tests on a single set of batteries, and housed in an IP67 chemical-resistant casing, it is built to perform in all sorts of field environments. But that's not all - sharing measurement data has never been simpler. Whether you prefer USB-C connectivity or the convenience of wireless technologies the MD50 provides seamless data management when paired with the AquaLX® mobile app.
ResinTech AGC-40 C is a 12 x 40 mesh coconut shell based granular activated carbon. It has similar properties to other products in the AGC-40 family. ResinTech AGC-40 C is intended for chlorine or NOM removal where rapid adsorption is required. It is Gold Seal Certified by the WQA for use in potable water applications.
LATEST INSIGHTS ON DRINKING WATER
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![tractor_sludge_Getty-2155530305]( "Why Too Much Phosphorus In America's Farmland Is Polluting The Country's Water")
When people think about agricultural pollution, they often picture what is easy to see: fertilizer spreaders crossing fields or muddy runoff after a heavy storm. However, a much more significant threat is quietly and invisibly building in the ground. -
![EnvironmentPeople_004]( "Water In 2026: The Nexus Of Policy, Technology, And Resilience")
As water systems become more circular and complex, understanding and managing the subsurface — the hidden half of the water cycle — is becoming a critical enabler of resilience. This article explores the key trends shaping this new reality, from tackling “forever chemicals” to the water strategies redefining heavy industry. -
![Cutting Red Tape-GettyImages-502421630]( "How The NEPA Rollback Will Impact Water And Wastewater Industries")
The White House has finalized plans to roll back rules under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), narrowing its focus and limiting what the current administration claims are needless delays for federal approval of water, energy, and other infrastructure plans. For water and wastewater utilities, the changes could speed up permitting for critical projects, although experts warn the tradeoffs could do more harm than good. -
![Ultraviolet lamps for water disinfection-GettyImages-1271779123]( "Setting Global Standards: Inside North America's Only Full-Scale UV Disinfection Validation Facility")
Setting Global Standards: Inside North America's Only Full-Scale UV Disinfection Validation FacilityPortland's industry-leading facility reaches 100 reactor validations in 23 years. -
![Water analysis, purification, filtration, treatment, quality monitoring, contamination detection-GettyImages-2234293664]( "Why Haven't Field Tests For Lead In Water Gone Mainstream?")
Given the maturation of sensor technology, the scientific and operational hurdles to portable lead analysis are somewhat surprising — but surmountable.
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![peace-athabasca-delta-flood-mapping-265153]( "What Is Bathymetric Modeling? And How Can It Protect Ecosystems While Saving Resources?")
Bathymetric modeling maps underwater terrain. It also helps guide planning, prevent hazards, and build climate-resilient infrastructure.
DRINKING WATER VIDEOS
RIP Kitty Hach-Darrow (October 20, 1922 - June 4, 2020), co-founder of Hach Company
As aquatic invasive species continue to overwhelm hydropower, industrial, and municipal systems worldwide, this webinar explores why traditional filtration and chemicals are falling short—and how a dual-barrier UV approach is emerging as a proven, chemical-free alternative backed by global field results.
Check out this brief video with Greg, and industry veteran and our Product Manager for Measurement technologies, as he provides a lowdown on the new AWWA Standard covering solid-state meters which are increasingly being adopted by water utilities of all sizes.
Learn how a tool-free, verifiable locking system streamlines complex installations like deep-bore directional drilling and provides the security needed for critical infrastructure.
ABOUT DRINKING WATER
In most developed countries, drinking water is regulated to ensure that it meets drinking water quality standards. In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administers these standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
Drinking water considerations can be divided into three core areas of concern:
- Source water for a community’s drinking water supply
- Drinking water treatment of source water
- Distribution of treated drinking water to consumers
Drinking Water Sources
Source water access is imperative to human survival. Sources may include groundwater from aquifers, surface water from rivers and streams and seawater through a desalination process. Direct or indirect water reuse is also growing in popularity in communities with limited access to sources of traditional surface or groundwater.
Source water scarcity is a growing concern as populations grow and move to warmer, less aqueous climates; climatic changes take place and industrial and agricultural processes compete with the public’s need for water. The scarcity of water supply and water conservation are major focuses of the American Water Works Association.
Drinking Water Treatment
Drinking Water Treatment involves the removal of pathogens and other contaminants from source water in order to make it safe for humans to consume. Treatment of public drinking water is mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the U.S. Common examples of contaminants that need to be treated and removed from water before it is considered potable are microorganisms, disinfectants, disinfection byproducts, inorganic chemicals, organic chemicals and radionuclides.
There are a variety of technologies and processes that can be used for contaminant removal and the removal of pathogens to decontaminate or treat water in a drinking water treatment plant before the clean water is pumped into the water distribution system for consumption.
The first stage in treating drinking water is often called pretreatment and involves screens to remove large debris and objects from the water supply. Aeration can also be used in the pretreatment phase. By mixing air and water, unwanted gases and minerals are removed and the water improves in color, taste and odor.
The second stage in the drinking water treatment process involves coagulation and flocculation. A coagulating agent is added to the water which causes suspended particles to stick together into clumps of material called floc. In sedimentation basins, the heavier floc separates from the water supply and sinks to form sludge, allowing the less turbid water to continue through the process.
During the filtration stage, smaller particles not removed by flocculation are removed from the treated water by running the water through a series of filters. Filter media can include sand, granulated carbon or manufactured membranes. Filtration using reverse osmosis membranes is a critical component of removing salt particles where desalination is being used to treat brackish water or seawater into drinking water.
Following filtration, the water is disinfected to kill or disable any microbes or viruses that could make the consumer sick. The most traditional disinfection method for treating drinking water uses chlorine or chloramines. However, new drinking water disinfection methods are constantly coming to market. Two disinfection methods that have been gaining traction use ozone and ultra-violet (UV) light to disinfect the water supply.
Drinking Water Distribution
Drinking water distribution involves the management of flow of the treated water to the consumer. By some estimates, up to 30% of treated water fails to reach the consumer. This water, often called non-revenue water, escapes from the distribution system through leaks in pipelines and joints, and in extreme cases through water main breaks.
A public water authority manages drinking water distribution through a network of pipes, pumps and valves and monitors that flow using flow, level and pressure measurement sensors and equipment.
Water meters and metering systems such as automatic meter reading (AMR) and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) allows a water utility to assess a consumer’s water use and charge them for the correct amount of water they have consumed.